Need a virtual hug - everyone in the real world thinks I'm nuts

1. 40

   Spacey Graceyposted 14 years ago

   I can see why they think I'm nuts. To them I am a stay at home mum of two kids, so why is my house such a mess, and why don't I go out at evenings or weekends. Its coz I am tap tap tapping away at my keyboard.
   
   'Why' they ask, fairly enough.
   'Because I am trying to learn as much as I can about internet marketing as I can, and earn some money so I don't have to get a job and therefore a childminder'.
   'Oh - sounds good, how much time do you spend on it' they reply.
   'At least 20 hours a week', I say.
   'You msut be making good money'.......
   'hmmmmmm about $5 so far'.
   
   And so the 'she's totally nuts' look begins. I can understand it. And truly I haven't told more than 3 or 4 people what I'm up to because they think I'm bonkers, and I'm not too keen on admitting I've spent 100s of hours on doing something that has made me noooooooo money.
   
   Anyway - enough wallowing in self pity. Not what I'm here for. There must be other newbies here - how do you explain away you hours spent on HP to friends and family?

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      terrowhiteposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      hahahaha... here is a big HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG for you... have fun and enjoy life....All the best

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   2. 57

      leebertteaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not in it for the money so there's nothing to explain. There's no easy way to get rich. The best you could do is to do what you love and hopefully you'll make a living doing it, eventually. So, if you're doing what you love, you're not nuts at all, you're just determined, and that's a good thing. Now c'mere and give me a hug!

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      Greek Oneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      just tell them that you are looking at porn

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         Spacey Graceyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         good plan

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         kmackey32posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         haha, good call....

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   4. 87

      IzzyMposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      You're not nuts, I can relate to this completely! I've got half a village asking me how the writing is going, and why do they hardly ever see me? The odd one asks what I am earning, and when I tell them the truth, they say "What?? For six months work??" - like I am mad or something.
      I still believe that one day all this work will pay off. I'm hoping the income will keep me in my old age!
      I'm already starting to see the daily clicks and therefore the income increasing, slowly (very slowly) but surely.
      I'm online for hours every day, and I often take my laptop out to the pub with me so that I can stay online while having a coffee.
      I think they call me that mad laptop woman!
      
      So, bug hugs, if you're mad, you're not alone )

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   5. 0

      pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Dear Spacey Gracey
      
      Ignore them! You don't need to explain to 'them' how you spend your time.
      
      Instead, surround yourself with a cohort of understanding people.
      
      Big Huggggggggggggggg, take care

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   6. 59

      Conflagrantposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I really feel for you on this one.
      
      <<<HUGS>>>
      
      Like you I started on the whole money from writing on the internet quite recently and right now my income is pretty low too.  That is including over a dozen websites and not just a few hubs (think I have 15 or so on this account). 
      
      My girlfriend cannot understand why I am writing all day long and making so little money back for the effort.  She thinks I am bonkers too.
      
      On the bright side you do learn what works and what doesn't over time and once you do your income will increase.
      
      There are some great hubs on topic selection and SEO.  A few backlinks thrown at hubs that already make something will really increase what you earn.

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   7. 60

      LaMamaLoliposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I don't...I do it when the kids are asleep or on the odd occasion when I am alone in  the house! When they eventually sort out hubbing for blackberries I will be in heaven, cos then i can do it anywhere and at anytime!!! It's hard, but it will pay off in the end, in a years time when you are making a decent amount they won't be thinking you are bonkers, they'll be wishing they had started when you did! Big virtual hug!!!

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   8. 70

      Nadyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I've had the same "crazy woman" look, and even the discouragement words. But I say to myself and them: I love writing about different things and sharing it with people, and if I get even cents for that why not.
      would you say no for somebody walking by and gives you a nickle just to hear one of your thoughts?  hehe
      Good luck for you Spacey Gracey and have fun

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2. 58

   lovelypaperposted 14 years ago

   Here's a hug. SQUEEEEEZE.
   I've been there- at home with the kids for years. It's rewarding and stifling at the same time. I hope you can start to make good money. Take care of yourself.

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   LeanManposted 14 years ago

   If I hug you.... I might try to take it a little further... then the tap tap might get more frenzied
   
   
   .... for a minute or two... lol
   
   Enjoy...

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4. 62

   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   Two months isn't very long in HubPages-earnings terms.  Keep writing.  Keep learning.  Aim to write about things people search for.  Once the earnings start picking up you'll be glad you didn't pack it in.

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5. 70

   Maddie Ruudposted 14 years ago

   I took a look at your content, and I think you're doing a good job.  Product reviews generally do well, and putting the product name in the title is key.  I did notice that you don't seem to interlink between your hubs.  That could really help you.  You might also consider adding a news capsule or highly-relevant RSS feed (maybe even to your own hubs?), as Google likes to see "new content" every time they crawl the page, and feeds refresh regularly.
   
   Hang in there.  Things started off slowly for me, but by 5 months writing on HubPages I was making $10 a day from AdSense alone.  (This was before I came to work here.)  Big virtual hug.

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      Spacey Graceyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Maddie news capsules and anything RSS is on my list of stuff I need to learn about - my target is to get to 100, stop breathe, learn a bit more, refresh, and then continue. So much of what I read on forums sounds like great advice, except I don't have a clue what they are talking about. I decided to start on HP instead of doing an internet marketing Masters - and it has been very educational - thanks.

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6. 61

   theirishobserver.posted 14 years ago

   hug

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7. 76

   Fluffymetalposted 14 years ago

   {{{HUGS}}}

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8. 0

   poetlorraineposted 14 years ago

   here is the biggest hug ever...... you are not nuts, well if you are, you are in good company, everyone thinks i am completely insane.

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9. 62

   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   I was getting kind of blank looks if I talked about online writing/earning - but when I started to mention some exact earnings I had, the blank looks went away and a few people seemed to change their thinking.   

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10. 59

    Denseposted 14 years ago

    Feel the power of a monkey HUG and a BIG WET KISS!

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       Denseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       And that's coz monkeys like nuts!

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11. 90

    Rochelle Frankposted 14 years ago

    Hug. I just don't tell anyone.

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12. 63

    Mishaposted 14 years ago

    Hug. You'll get there

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13. 61

    Robert A. Harrisposted 14 years ago

    I just released my first kids book which is not doing to bad, but like you I have spent countless hrs making it and now working on promoting it with very little luck but can't give up!
    
    "There are no shortcuts to a place worth going"

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14. 61

    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    Big virtual hug from one mom to another!
    
    I don't tell anyone that I want to try internet marketing - except here where no one knows me
    
    Hang in there.  You do have good content!

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15. 79

    MyWebsposted 14 years ago

    Here is a big hug for you!
    
    You have to remember creating hubs creates a residual income that starts off very slowly, but as it grows it snowballs. Pennies add up into nickels, dimes, dollars and before you know it the money does become substantial. Reality is it typically takes a while to see much headway at first.

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16. 60

    Pandoras Boxposted 14 years ago

    Sanity is highly over-rated. Besides what do those people know. Working for corporations, dealing with bosses and crazy coworkers, getting dressed every morning, dealing with traffic, leaving their kids with other people, hoping they don't get laid off... cleaning their houses.
    
    Crazy stuff right there, don't let them judge you. You'll be retired in Costa Rica while they're still contributing to social security.
    
    {{Hugs!}}

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17. 47

    wavegirl22posted 14 years ago

    6 months here and i still get that look from people. . .the way I see it, is that they just understand and instead of taking the time to understand it is easier if they look at you that way. . if it feels right for you who cares what they say!

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18. 80

    earnestshubposted 14 years ago

    When I started, and got the usual response I asked them if they have read my work! Most of them had not. Then I just smiled and said no more.
    Lots of big hugs! You will work it out, it does take a little time though.
    Read hubs on how to make money on hubpages written by Mark Knowles and many other high scoring hubbers with years of experience for accurate information on how it works.
    
    There are so many people here who are helpful and knowledgeable I cannot remember them all.
    
    A shortcut would be to look for hubbers who have been here longer than 2 years who have hubs related to hubpage earnings.
    
    As for the knockers, ........ tell em you're writing a book!

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19. 68

    Beth100posted 14 years ago

    ((HUGS))  I don't explain anything...I just close my doors to my room and disappear....okay, that's between the hours of 10 pm and 3 am when all the kids are asleep.  Hang in there, the five will turn into ten into twenty and up it will continue.  One more ((HUG)) 

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20. 60

    getitdoneposted 14 years ago

    Some people just never believe you can make money online until they start seeing the checks. Hang in there, you will prove them all wrong!

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21. 40

    Spacey Graceyposted 14 years ago

    Thanks to all you hubilicious people who sent me hugs, even the slightly kinky ones, and the ones that left me covered in monkey dribble.
    
    You lot are lovely. When I am a millionaire, I'll think fondly of you, as I sip cocktails, while being massaged by a handsome stranger on the deck of my yacht.
    
    Until then I need to go stop the kids killing each other.

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22. 87

    Denise Handlonposted 14 years ago

    Consider yourself hugged.  Stay focused on your goal.

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23. 67

    blondepoetposted 14 years ago

    You just go right on with what you are doing. Do not let other's judgement deter you from trying to do something positive with your life.
    Already by being home with your kids as they grow is a gift in itself.
    Hold your head up high,believe in yourself and do what you are doing.
    Everyone has to start somewhere, my friends laughed at me when I started online but no-one is laughing now.

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24. 62

    4x4posted 13 years ago

    Most of the people out there wouldn't even understand much less symphatize even if you are able to completely and adequately explain it to them.
    
    You would have more luck with the people in here.
    
    Here is your HUG!
    
    Just think of it this way, you are the pilot of a great big 747 and it is still on the runway waiting to taxi and then when it builds up enough power, it should be able to take off, fly and soar and even fly on cruise control or auto pilot.
    
    Until then, we should be safe in the idea that others have done it and there are still a lot more waiting to take off.
    
    The sky's the limit!

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       IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       What a brilliant description!! I love it

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       1. 63

          Mishaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Izzy, I am not ignoring you, I am thinking of the answer and will answer you later tonight

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          1. 87

             IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Oh thanks for that Misha! I thought you were ignoring me

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    2. 62

       4x4posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I thought that was a great description as well.
       
       To infinity and beyond...

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25. 60

    DevLinposted 13 years ago

    $5? I've made $0.02 in two months. Then again, I haven't gone commercial yet. I heard it takes 10 months to start looking good in the bank account.
    
    You've got a penguin hug! Hang in there!Like earnest said, ask if they've read your work.

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26. 0

    kimberlyslyricsposted 13 years ago

    Re we allowed to hug more than one person at the same time?  Just curious

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27. 0

    kimberlyslyricsposted 13 years ago

    I need 200 hugs. sigh.

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    1. 80

       earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Congratulations Kimberley! You have made a fast comeback.
       Of all the reading I have done on hubpages, and that is a lot, your writing has been amongst the most interesting, honest and moving.
       Happy days!

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28. 63

    Mishaposted 13 years ago

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29. 70

    Paradise7posted 13 years ago

    WOW!  Misha, that's what I call a virtual hug!

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30. 0

    kimberlyslyricsposted 13 years ago

    Can this go beyond the hug?

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    1. 70

       Paradise7posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Whoa!

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    2. 60

       DevLinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I'm listening.

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    3. 67

       blondepoetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I want in!!!!!

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       1. 84

          donotfearposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          
          I knew it all along....!  Can't miss the action!

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          1. 60

             DevLinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             I'm too scared now

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          2. 67

             blondepoetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Lol Dontfear as Aerosmith sang
             "I don't want to miss a thing".
             (Love your new pic)

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             1. 84

                donotfearposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                
                Thanks BP....good to see & hear from you again.

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31. 84

    donotfearposted 13 years ago

    Awwww.  You got my hug! Remember, the crazier and weirder you are, the cooler you feel.
    
    

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32. 92

    akirchnerposted 13 years ago

    I'm sending you a virtual hug as well - starting out I think I talked myself into quitting at LEAST 50 times and stewed and fretted, stewed and fretted. But something kept pulling me back and now I'm glad I hit my rhythm - in writing that is. It is a process and if you find yourself stuck, my very best advice is to try and take an internet class on writing on the internet if you don't understand all the 'greek' that is posted on here.  Some of it frankly is too cumbersome for my poor little old lady brain and I have found that actually taking a CLASS in it has helped me understand it so much better. Just keep on doing what you are doing and let the writing take you - don't let what anyone thinks (or says) daunt you and you will be fine! Hugs from Audrey in Central Oregon - and a hug from my 2 resident malamutes as well!

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33. 61

    ScientificGearposted 13 years ago

    Continue what you're doing and if you're determined, you'll get there. Think of this as your planting season.Just like a seed you have to water it, nurture it, and provide the right environment for it to grow healthy. Soon you'll reach harvest time. Just don't mind negative people. Instead surround yourself with the positive ones. Remember the right environment?
    
    Hugs for you Spacey Gracey.

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34. 40

    Spacey Graceyposted 13 years ago

    waheyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy - went away on a long weekend and sold a coffee tamper while I was gone. Check me out - I am sooooo hot.
    
    Want to say two things:
    1 - I love you lot, you are clever, and funny and kind
    2 - It really hurts every time I read a reply to my message, and see my typo in the original post - ouch, what a numpty

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       Mishaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       LOL We all make pytos

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       1. 40

          Spacey Graceyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          If it's before 7pm (BST), I blame the kids. After that, I blame the wine . Tonight, it is most definately the wine.

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35. 79

    mega1posted 13 years ago

    here's another hug!  you must be getting squeezed solid!
    
    
    
    anyhow - hubbing is like planting tiny seeds, watering them and watching them grow - some grow slower than others but turn into gorgeous flowers, others are sort of the quick, reliable veggie producers - others haven't even come up yet.  A good hubber, like a good gardener remembers to care for and feed the seeds!
    
    course, I've only made a tiny sum in all the months I've been spending at least 3 hours a day here.  I don't even care cuz its so much fun.  And now I'm beginning to talk my buddies into trying it too! which is really gratifying when they finally understand for themselves what it is you have been doing!  and then they want to write hubs about everything, just like me!  hee hee!

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